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February 10, 2012
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Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Cardene, Cardene SR

Generic Name: nicardipine (Pronunciation: nye KAR di peen)

What is nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

Nicardipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nicardipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Nicardipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain).

Nicardipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Cardene 20 mg

blue/white, imprinted with CARDENE 20 mg, ROCHE

Cardene 30 mg

blue, imprinted with CARDENE 30MG, ROCHE

Cardene SR 30 mg

pink, imprinted with CARDENESR 30MG, ROCHE

Cardene SR 45 mg

blue, imprinted with CARDENESR 45MG, ROCHE

Cardene SR 60 mg

blue/white, imprinted with CARDENESR 60MG, ROCHE

Nicardipine 20 mg-MYL

turquoise/white, imprinted with MYLAN 1020

Nicardipine 20 mg-TEV

turquoise/white, imprinted with 93 793

Nicardipine 30 mg-TEV

blue/white, imprinted with 93 794

What are the possible side effects of nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nicardipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
  • fainting or severe dizziness;
  • abnormal behavior or psychosis;
  • chest pain or worsening angina;
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
  • swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take nicardipine and talk to your doctor if you experience

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

Do not stop taking nicardipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release (SR) capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.


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Brand Names:
Cardene, Cardene SR
[+]

Generic Name:
nicardipine
[+]

Renal Artery Stenosis »

Renal Artery Stenosis Overview

Aside from filtering blood and making urine, the kidneys have other functions. One such function is monitoring blood pressure (performed by special cells called macula densa). Using a chemical messenger called angiotensin, these cells can help adjust blood flow throughout the body and maintain normal blood pressure. The angiotensin acts by increasing muscle tone in small artery walls to help boost blood pressure. Angiotensin also stimulates the release of aldosterone, which helps the body retain sodium and water, increasing the amount of fluid within the blood vessels.

Most people with high blood pressure have essential hypertension (hyper=more + tension=pressure), meaning that the cause of the high blood pressure is unknown. However, one known cause of hypertension  is renal artery stenosis (renal=kidney + stenosis=narrowing).

Each kidney gets its blood flow via a renal artery that arises from the aor...

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